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Family dog kills newborn baby in Alberta

AIRDRIE, Alta. - Police are calling it a "very tragic accident" after a newborn boy was killed by a husky in a home north of Calgary Wednesday.

Paramedics were called to a newer, two-storey home in Airdrie at about 10 a.m., with a report the child was bitten by a female husky.

"The child had severe injuries and was rushed to (Alberta) Children's Hospital," said Insp. Tony Hamori, head of the RCMP detachment in Airdrie.

At 10:30 p.m., the child died from his injuries.

"At this point in time, we do not feel there is anything criminal in nature, no charges are being considered ... unfortunately it's just a very tragic accident.

"Out of respect for the family, I am not releasing details of the incident," Hamori said.

The home's address is listed as the base of operations for a dog sledding equipment and supplies business.

A friend of the family - who QMI Agency has chosen not to name - answered the door at the home Thursday, but declined comment.

Neighbours said four huskies were often seen pulling small sleds around the neighbourhood and described both the animals and their owners -- a couple in their 20s or 30s -- as friendly.

The couple has another, two-year-old child, said Hamori, and they considered the dog safe.

"There is no history whatsoever of any issues with this particular dog," he said.

"The family does have another child and, again, no history of problems with the dog at all."

The dog has been quarantined in Calgary since the attack and will remain there for 10 days while Airdrie bylaw officers and the owners determine its fate.

"We will talk to the dog owner and get their feedback on the dog and do a further investigation and make a decision based on the facts we learn," said Darryl Poburan, manager of bylaw enforcement in Airdrie.

In 2011, seven tickets were handed out in Airdrie for owners allowing their dogs to bite someone, said Poburan, compared to five in 2010 and four in 2009.

Calgary bylaw head Bill Bruce said the husky has not shown aggressive behaviour and officers were able to lead it into the facility on a leash.